A forum for critical analysis of international issues and developments of particular relevance to the sustainable political and socio-economic development of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).

11 August 2010

13th Micronesian Chief Executives Summit

JOINT COMMUNIQUE

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Territory of Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia and its States, Yap, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau:

Introduction

The Chief Executives of the Governments of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the Territory of Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia and its states, Yap, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau held their Thirteenth Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit (MCES) in Saipan, CNMI, on June 23-25, 2010.

This Summit resulted in the adoption of regional programs of action in the focal areas of solid waste
management, conservation through the Micronesia Challenge and related environmental programs, renewable energy, invasive species, health, transportation, workforce investment, communications and tourism. The Summit also resulted in actions in miscellaneous areas of concern to the sub-region.

The Summit reaffirmed the commitment of each of the participants, on behalf of their people and their governments, to establish closer ties, expand future discussions and agree on beneficial initiatives for the benefit of the entire Micronesian Region.

The Honorable Benigno Fitial of the CNMI, as Chairman, expressed his appreciation to the Chief
Executives and their jurisdictional representatives for their attendance and active participation in the Thirteenth Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit.

Following the opening ceremonies of the Summit, which included statements by each of the Chief Executives, reports and recommendations from regional committees were given, along with presentations on a number of issues of interest in the region and jointly directed action in their respective jurisdictions, as reflected in this 13th Communique.

Regional Workforce Development Council (RWDC)

The Regional Workforce Development Council (RWDC) reported to the Chief Executives that their activities at the Thirteenth Summit addressed recurring workforce issues while promoting the RWDC's regional workforce "Good Jobs for Everyone" signature. This included support to its Micronesian and Pacific regionalism charter and updates of its action plans within the RWDC's Strategic Plan. The RWDC also recognized the importance of aligning policy interest areas related to workforce legislation and the need to invite representation in appropriate policy forums like the Association of Pacific Island Legislators.

The Chief Executives expressed their appreciation for the work of the RWDC and took the following actions:

• Regional Guam Job Corp Letter of Support. Related to the earlier endorsement of a regional satellite Job Corp Center in Guam, the MCES agreed to send a letter of support directed to the U.S. Department of Labor.

• Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture/Aquaculture, Math (STEAM) Initiative.
Endorsed the RWDC STEAM initiative, which represents the latest addition to its recruitment pipeline priority area strategies and localizes the STEAM programming efforts through the inclusion of agriculture and aquaculture as viable economic sectors.

• E-Commerce Micronesia, Made-in-Micronesia, and Micronesia Saves. Endorsed the establishment and alignment of the e-commerce initiative supporting the RWDC's entrepreneurial priority area. This includes positioning a product signature identity.

"Made-in-Micronesia" strategy." This endorsement extended to the corresponding recommendation to establish a similar strategy entitled 'Micronesia Saves', which supports the RWDC's computer and financial literacy strategy.

• Endorsed expansion of the NDAA recruitment requirements for contractors to include the PWIW/RWDC talent recruitment priority areas of Guam, the CNMI, the FSM, the RMI and the Republic of Palau.

Micronesia Regional Invasive Species Council (RISC)

Since the Ith MCES, the Micronesia Regional Invasive Species Council (RISC) has remained engaged in the development of the Micronesia Biosecurity Plan (MBP). RISC is also addressing funding needs, the creation of an interagency biosecurity taskforce on Guam, ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the brown tree-snake and various prevention and control activities in the nine RISC-member jurisdictions.

The Chief Executives supported the following recommendations by RISC:

• The execution by the Chief Executives of a letter requesting the Department of the Interior to support a National Invasive Species Council representative be stationed in Micronesia (Guam) for assistance to RISC and other Federal partners in programs relating to invasive species;

• That the Chief Executives commit to pnontizmg funding for a full-time permanent Invasive Species Coordinator for all RISC-Member jurisdictions;

• That Chief Executives direct their invasive species island coordinators and other appropriate staff to actively participate in the development of the MBP;

• That each Chief Executive, in writing to the Chair of RISC, identify two representatives to RISC from each state and national jurisdiction by September 2010;

• That two workshop-style meetings be held each year, between Summits, to collaborate on invasive species issues and priority actions; and

• That each jurisdiction reaffirm their respective commitment to provide a minimum of $2,500 to fund RISC's priority projects.

Micronesia Challenge

Since the Ith Micronesian Chief Executive Summit, solid progress has been made on implementation of the Micronesia Challenge. The MC Steering Committee reported that the baseline of existing areas under some form of management has been identified, working groups were established to finalize a regional monitoring framework to assess management effectiveness, and a regional database for the MC was developed. In terms of fundraising, approval was received from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which will result in $5.05 million for the MC endowment for Palau, FSM, and RMI. This serves as part of the match for the $6M pledged by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International in 2006. In addition, the MC Regional Business Plan was finalized and is under review by the MC Focal Points and appropriate agencies in each jurisdiction. The Committee provided leaders with a brief overview of additional progress made by each jurisdiction, including the following highlights:

• The CNMI is focusing on watershed management to address the deficiencies in the marine benthic environment and provided the example of road and drainage improvements and revegetation activities being implemented in the Laolao Bay project;

• Guam is working on implementing the Piti-Asan Watershed Conservation Action Plan and has launched a Rare Campaign to reduce wildland fires;

• The FSM has completed an Atoll Vulnerability Assessment that included participation by the Department of Resources & Development, the Office of Environment and Emergency Management, State departments/agencies/offices, community-based and nongovernmental organizations and other partners;

• The RMI completed a community based process to fully incorporate actions needed to address climate impacts in their national conservation area plan, the Reimaanlok, and is working on its climate change national policy and action plan, which incorporates the MC as a major response to impacts; and

• Palau has brought in a total of over $700K in 'Green Fees' since November 2009. These funds will go toward community-managed protected areas.

The MC Committee then briefed leaders on the next steps that need to be taken to continue tomove the MC forward, including:

• Implement recommendations for sustainable financing identified in the MC Regional Business Plan, at the jurisdictional level;

Based on the recommendations of the MC Steering Committee, the Chief Executives directed the following:

• Request assistance of the Government of Palau to provide office space for the Micronesia Challenge Regional Office.

• Encourage Chief Executives to take part in the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) - to be held on September 10-20, 2010 in Guam, Saipan, and Pohnpei), which will focus on the MC.

• Engage in bi-lateral and multi-lateral high level discussions to leverage support for MC.

• Continue to promote the MC at regional and international levels to sustain interest in the initiative and help fundraising efforts for both the endowment and ongoing regional work.

• Continue to support policies for on-the-ground conservation and main streaming of environmental efforts in development plans.

Regional Energy Committee

Since the 12th MCES held in December 2009 in Guam, the Regional Energy Committee (REC) has met and discussed several key directives, primarily relating to this Committee's objectives to support and promote alternative energy technologies, programs and policies, both jurisdictionally and through a collaborative effort within this Committee to develop a Micronesian Energy Association. Some of the projects engaged in since the last MCES include:

CNMI

* Waste-to-energy composite and characterization study that will lead to a feasibility analysis;

• Completion of a "draft" Energy Plan and are seeking endorsement of said plan by their respective governments for implementation.

Since the last committee meeting, Articles of Incorporation and By-laws for a Micronesian Energy Association (MEA) have been created and a final draft will be circulated within each jurisdiction for final approval. The REC will finalize and adopt the by-laws and articles of incorporation for the MEA, develop a mission and vision statement for MEA and plan the next REC meeting at a time geographically convenient within the next 3 months.

The Chief Executives endorsed the recommendations from the Regional Energy Committee (REC) to the Micronesian Chief Executives as follows:

• Continued support for the creation of the Micronesia Energy Association (MEA) to be implemented by the REC, with the MCES determining the location of its Secretariat by no later than the upcoming Micronesian Presidential Summit;

• Support for the continued sharing of information regarding innovative energy mechanisms, as well as capacity building of skill sets for technical, mechanical, programmatic and policy initiatives; and

• Endorsement of Energy Planning for an "Energy Secure Pacific" by strengthening relations within the utilities and energy departments and other stakeholders, along with formalization of state plans to be incorporated into a regional plan.

Dan Wilson of Science Applications International Corporation briefed the Chief Executives on a Micronesia Energy Solution and offered similar models to consider adopting in the region. He further offered a number of best practices and examples of emerging technologies that can be adopted in Micronesia. The Chief Executives remarked on challenges faced with securing alternative sources of energy and asked for white papers to review and use for future discussions on this important issue to the people of Micronesia.

The Pacific Islands Regional Recycling Initiative Council (PIRRIC) reported that continued headway has been made following the 12th Micronesian Chief Executives Summit held on Guam in December 2009. Significant forward momentum has been maintained in the public-private partnerships designed to remove metallic waste from our islands. PIRRIC indicated that the concentrated efforts of the group, combined with the current market condition related to recovered metals, has made the removal of metallic waste an effective project. This has also allowed formation of partnerships that may assist in developing effective processing and marketing consortiums to allow efficient recovery of additional recyclable commodities.

However, PIRRIC noted that this current private sector interest involves the removal of recovered metallic material accumulated over years, but does not necessarily involve the future removal of such metallic material, where the economies of scale will be smaller. Therefore, long-term management options must include public systems for metallic waste management.

To facilitate future activities and include additional environmental issues of regional concern, PIRRIC recommended partnering with the "Micronesian Center for A Sustainable Future" which will allow a more targeted and holistic implementation action plan to be developed.

PIRRIC reported that the CNMI has developed a reasonably stable market for scrap tires and that
coordinated efforts amongst PIRRIC members would drive the potential access to this market for other jurisdictions and allow for consolidation and cost savings. This should further strengthen market access and allow for development of a coordinated approach to processing and exporting scrap tires.

PIRRIC also reported that the CNMI was currently soliciting proposals to conduct a waste characterization/feasibility study of Saipan's waste to determine the potential for waste-to-energy (WTE) technology applications. Once completed, the data generated will be made available to all members and allow for development of a capitalization and implementation recommendation.

• Continue the evaluation of technologies and report back findings at the next summit;

• Undertake a cost-benefit analysis of the alternatives available for managing solid waste, including an evaluation of cryogenics, pyrolysis, and shredding of tires for use locally or to maximize shipping and shipping whole tires; and

• Continue to develop sources for policy and financial support for the continuation of activities.

Regional Tourism Committee Report

The PATA Micronesia Chapter (PATAMC) held its First Tri-Annual Meeting in Saipan on June 14th to 16th with its 2nd Tri-Annual Meeting scheduled for Yap in August 2010. Accomplishments included Kosrae and Pohnpei joining Palau, Yap, Guam, CNMI, and the Marshall Islands in having produced their "Destination eGuides" (electronic brochures) and the near finalization of Chuuk's guide.

PATAMC also developed a Request for Proposals and the establishment of a Selection Committee to select an agency to develop a "regional brand message". Other accomplishments since the last MCES include:

• On-going creation of package deals for each island destination;

• Regional Exhibitions in February 2010 in Guam, attended by and with exhibitions by CNMI, Guam, Palau, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap and the Marshall Islands;

• LIVE Radio Talk Show - K57 in February 2010 in Guam featuring Guam, CNMI and Kosrae;

• On-going Print Advertisements in R&R Pacific Magazine by CNMI and Palau; and

• Initiation of marketing strategies for the Luxury Cruise market.

The Chief Executives supported the recommendations of the Tourism Committee and directed the Committee as follows:

• Support the launching by PATAMC of an outreach campaign to encourage the public and private sectors to recycle goods, conserve our natural resources and utilize energy efficient appliance or items so as to reduce climate change impacts.

• Support government partnerships in identifying sites for nomination as World Heritage sites.

• Support PATAMC soliciting proposals from qualified companies to do a study of the economic impact of the tourism industry in the Micronesia region.

• Support the creation of a Micronesia Cruise Taskforce representing island members to collaborate regionally in its governmental policy development in areas of immigration & customs clearance policy, uniform island port calls and cruise ship fee policy, marine, environmental and marine security policies, development of home port service facilities, and to work with federal agencies to secure financial support.

• Support the creation of a Micronesian Cruise Association to learn about the leisure cruise market and collaborate regionally to develop industry relationships between island destinations and cruise companies, as well as developing marketing and development strategies in conjunction with the region's regulatory structures.

• Continue to support their respective tourism organizations' active participation in Trade/Travel Shows / Exhibitions / Seminars, etc. in key markets and their other promotional/training activities in the region.

Governor Camacho recommended the creation of a task force within the Tourism Committee for
the cruise ship industry and Governor Fitial suggested that PATAMC serve as the umbrella organization for the Micronesian Cruise Association.

Regional Health Committee (HC)

During this 13th MCES, the Regional Health Committee focused on the regional epidemic of non-communicable diseases and its current and projected impact on the societies and economies of MCES member states. The U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) have among the highest rates of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and obesity in the world. As a result, the Pacific Island Officers Association (PIHOA) declared, in May, 2010, a regional state of emergency (PIHO Resolution 48-01).

The Regional Health Committee also addressed the need to pro actively leverage the opportunities of health care reform legislation recently passed in the United States and the need for executive level support for Public Health Education in the region.

Finally, Committee updated the Chief Executives on the lack of access of FAS citizens to Medicaid benefits in the United States.

The Health Council also reported on progress made toward recommendations from previous MCES Communiques. Work continues to development the Micronesian Health District, which requires finalization of funding options to develop a briefing paper on the subject.

Regarding the 12th Communique recommendation to developing Level 1 lab capacity in Guam, PIHOA recently partnered with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and Guam DPHSS to undertake and complete an assessment of level 1 lab needs in Guam. In addition, PIHOA has identified funds to undertake an analysis of level 2 lab needs in the region.

In the area of Human Resources for Health Management (HRH) Management Offices in USAPI Health Agencies, PIHOA is now assessing the available curriculum and resources for developing and delivering "HRH 101" courses in the USAPI, for health agency focal points charged with staffing the implementation of local HRH plans.

The Chief Executives supported the reported efforts of Committee and recommended the following:

• Actions be undertaken by each member state to support Pll-IOA Resolution No. 48-01;

• Work to leverage the opportunities available through the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010;

• Work to restore Medicaid eligibility for Citizens of the FAS residing in the United States and its territories in line with a MCES Resolution directed to the U.S. Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

• Continue its work to develop Levell Lab capacity in the region;

• Continue to work towards the development of a Micronesian Health District and to finalize efforts to identified necessary funding;

• Continue to work on Emergency Preparedness and USAPI Mutual Aid Agreements for finalization prior to the 14th MCES;

• Continue to work towards the development of human resource and educational opportunities, including the creation of a Fiji School of Medicine, North;

• Complete the drafting of the Worker Migration Agreement by the 14th MCES; and

The Communications Committee met on 23 June 2010 in Saipan, CNMI and was attended by representatives from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, FSM, Palau, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. A presentation was made by Palau to the Committee on Information Communication and Telecommunication (ICT) initiatives they have implemented including the linking of outer islands using VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminals), unregulated competition in the telecommunication sector, e-Government applications, and a Palau National ICT Policy.

The SPC provided a briefing on the Pacific Regional ICT Officials and Ministers meeting of 16-18 June 2010, in Nuku'alofa Tonga. The outcomes of this ministerial meeting included a "Tonga Declaration" , a "Framework for Action on ICT for Development in the Pacific", assignment of the lead coordination role of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), and the establishment of regional initiatives including the Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (PacCERT), Pacific ICT Regulatory Resource Center (PIRRC), and ICT Capacity Building for Pacific ACP Countries (ICB4PAC).

The Chief Executives accepted the recommendations of the Committee advocating greater organizational coordination of the various ICT entities, policies and programs, and

• Adopted a Resolution encouraging the u.s. Government and other funding agencies to support broadband submarine fiber optics connectivity for the FSM States and the Palau;

• Adopted a Resolution encouraging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support the implementation of the Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS), by the FAS States, to enable the exchange of patient information through the National Health Information Network to improve patient care and safety, public health surveillance and effectiveness and efficiency in health care delivery; and

• Adopted a Resolution requesting that the Government of Japan, with support from the International Telecommunications Union, implement the WINDS satellite experiments for the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau; and

• Adopted a Resolution recognizing the need for a more coordinated approach in the use of ICT to assist development and to improve livelihood of our communities, and to acknowledge the Tonga Declaration and outcomes of the Pacific Regional ICT Ministers meeting.

Miscellaneous Issues

1. United States Coast Guard

At the invitation of the Transportation Committee, United States Coast Guard Sector Guam Captain Thomas M. Sparks gave a presentation on the role of the United States Coast Guard in Micronesia. Captain Sparks shared with the Chief Executives the duties of Commander Sector Guam and its missions in the area which is one of the largest areas of responsibility in the United States Coast Guard (2,000,000 square nautical miles). Captain Sparks remarked upon the inadequate resources available to respond to their mission as related to the Guam Military Buildup Program. Chief Executives were briefed on future placement of United States Marines in the United States Coast Guard footprint in Naval Station Guam. He also stated that Search and Rescue Operations in Micronesia remain a challenge and encouraged early notification and coordination with the US Coast Guard Command Center. He also requested that the Governments of the FSM and Palau prioritize the refueling of Australian Patrol Boats in their respective ports. The Chief Executives were appreciative of the services provided by the United States Coast Guard in the region.

2. Military Expansion Assistance in the Insular Areas

Joint Guam Program Office Forward Director John Jackson gave an update on the military expansion in the Northern Pacific. Mr. Jackson spoke regarding future forces in Guam, including the relocation of 8,500 United States Marine Corps and their 9,000 dependents to Guam from Okinawa, the development of a United States Army Missile Defense Task Force and construction of a transient Aircraft Carrier Pier at Apra Harbor. He also briefed the Chief Executives on the status of the Environmental Impact Statement which Mr. Jackson said would be completed by September 20 I0 with the Record of Decision. He also spoke of the pending Draft Master Plan that details the funding and construction plans to support the military missions in Guam and Tinian. Chief Executives commented on a lack of budgeting action by the U.S. Congress. Mr. Jackson replied that while projects have been identified there are other factors that mayor may not delay funds for Guam and Tinian projects by 2014, the proposed completion date of the Guam Military Buildup Program.

A presentation was also given by Gary Kurabara, Western Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment, on funding assistance for the military buildup in Guam and the CNMI. Mr. Kurabara focused his discussions on a conceptual approach to assisting the island communities with expansion efforts. Chief Executives were briefed on the Technical Assistance programs of the OEA and the creation of coalitions to address local government challenges in planning for the Guam Military Buildup Program.

3. Airport Improvement Programs in the Region

Ronnie Simpson, the Manager of the Honolulu Airports District Office of the (US) Federal Aviation Administration gave a presentation on the Airport Improvement Program in the Pacific Region.
Mr. Simpson remarked that there have been fundamental changes to the development of all the airports in Micronesia. Since 2004, nearly $700 million has been invested in Northern Pacific airports for safety, reconstruction, standards and capacity enhancement projects. TheChief Executives praised Mr. Simpson for his advocacy for Area airports for the past ten years.

The President of Continental Micronesia, Charles Duncan, gave an update on Continental Airlines activities in the region, including the merger of United-Continental Airlines in May 2010 which will create the largest airline in the United States. He stated that Micronesia will benefit by Continental Micronesia joining a stronger network across the Pacific and the West Coast of the United States. He sought continued support of the airline's programs and asked that departure fees be used to support respective airport programmatic needs. The Chief Executives were also briefed on Continental Micronesia's route activities in the region and the need for increased seat capacity in line with demands related to the Guam Military Buildup Program. Mr.
Duncan fielded questions from Chief Executives regarding the resumption of Manila-Saipan routes for humanitarian medical and tourism business, cargo handling concerns and price reductions for travel within Micronesia.

Micronesia Center for Sustainable Future

The Secretary General (SG), with the assistance of the Strategic Design and Planning (SDPT) Team, reports the following accomplishments in line with the recommendations of the Chief Executives at the 12thMicronesia Chief Executives Summit:

• Submitted a $400,000 grant proposal with the Department of Interior and received preliminary notice of support of the Grant, which will be officially announced in August at the Micronesia Games to be held in Palau. The Grant focuses on three primary delivery areas, as follows:

• Organizational development;

• Program Delivery; and

• Further development of the Regional Strategic Framework as a living document.

To expedite immediate implementation of the grant, the SDPT held inception meetings with the Administrator of the Grant selected by the Department of Interior, the Graduate School. The Graduate School will be the official recipient of the Grant and will work with the Secretary General and the SDPT to implement all components of the grant within the next year. The inception meeting focused on fine tuning the actual costs
associated with the specific programs and activities approved under the grant.

• Completed and gained signatures on a Teaming Agreement with the University of Guam.

• Completed and gained signatures on a Teaming Agreement with the College of Micronesia, Federated States of Micronesia (COM-FSM).

• Completed and gained signatures on a Strategic Alliance Agreement with the Micronesian Seminar (MICSEM).

• Finalized and filed corporate documents for the MCES in Guam, and, within this context:

* Amended Corporate By-Laws to reflect each Chief Executive's status as the Directors of the MCSF;

* Gained a Guam Business License;

* Received U.S. Employee Identification Number; and

* Applied for 501(c)(3) non-profit status, which status is anticipated within the next two months.

In addition to on-going Center activities, the Secretary General reported, on the behalf of the Center for Micronesian Empowerment (CME) that the CME has assisted in placing 63 graduates in full time employment. By the end of 2010, the CME will have assisted and found full time employment for 245 participants. The Governor of Chuuk formalized the relationship between the State of Chuuk and the CME during the Summit with a $120,000 program commitment for job training in Guam in preparation for the military buildup. The first 15 students will arrive in Guam on July 3rd.

The Secretary General continues to work on a number of approved initiatives to strengthen the MCES and the Center and seeks the support of the Chief Executives for these and additional initiatives, as set forth below:

• Prepare for the formal announcement of the DOl Grant, and, upon final announcement, immediately begin implementation activities, to include:

* Development of Legal and Financial Protocols;

* Establishment of a Facilities and Staffing Plan;

* Creation of a Programmatic Evaluation System for the MCSF;

* Implementation of the broad variety of programs funded by the grant;

* Establishment of a representative body composed of one member from each jurisdiction; and

* Development of the MCSF Strategic Framework, taking into account Jurisdictional review and enhanced data gathering through the Grant.

* Continue to develop teaming and strategic alliance relationships with regional and
international organizations, including:

* A teaming agreement with the Pacific Post Secondary-Education Council (PPEC) and its members;

* Teaming agreements with other appropriate higher learning institutions, including the South Pacific University and the College of the Marshal Islands (CMI); and
* A Strategic Alliance with the Island Research and Education Initiative (IREI).

• Pursue funding opportunities from Australia and New Zealand for a remittance study by the Micronesian Seminar, through the MCSF, in the FSM, Palau and the RMI (This study will serve as a critical element in the development of a regional socio-economic assessment of the region);

• Establish membership in the National Association of Regional Planning Councils (NARC) in order to leverage ARRA funding for the region;

• Continue to support CME in its efforts to rapidly increase the number of participants served by the program (750 participants anticipated in 2011 and over 1,000 anticipated in 2012, with revenues generated from the program being reinvested into expanded and improved services and training);

• Continue negotiations with the APIL regarding the development of a framework of consensus building and cooperation;

• Continue to move forward in discussions with the Bank of Guam to finalize the development of a Micronesian Monetary Fund;

• Take such other actions on behalf of the Chief Executives as will move forward, with all due expediency, the development of the Micronesia Center for a Sustainable Future;

The Chief Executives once again confirmed their strong support for the Center and recommended that anticipatory work begin in anticipation of the finalization of the Department of Interior (OIA) Start-up Grant. The Chief Executives also agreed to send representatives to an inception meeting to develop organizational structures, initial program delivery and development of a regional strategic framework.

The Secretary General and the Officers of the Center are working with the U.S. National Invasive Species Council, and other U.S. Federal and international partners to sponsor a side event at the upcoming Convention on Biological Diversity to highlight the development of the U.S. Department of Defense-funded Micronesia Biosecurity Plan (MBP). The MBP is an unprecedented collaborative effort between Micronesia and the U.S. Government to proactively study invasive species threats to the region of Micronesia posed by the military buildup and to make responsive recommendations based on scientific analyses to prevent any damage from occurring, now and in the future. In addition to the MBP, the side event will focus on the exemplary regional coordination under the auspices of the MCSF and cooperation with the U.S. Government that has lead to the development of this globally unique plan.

Conclusion

The Fourteenth Summit of the Micronesian Chief Executives will be held in Kosrae, FSM. The Chief Executives closed the 13th Summit and once again stressed the need to move forward on prior and new initiatives. There was also a recommitment by the Chief Executives to the implementation of these sub-regional initiatives endorsed since the start of the Micronesian Chief Executives' Summits, They agreed to greater coordination and communication to accomplish the goals set out since 2003. They also committed to fully integrating regional issues into ongoing governmental planning and budget processes within each jurisdiction.

Governor Fitial thanked all the participants for their attendance and attention to these pressing issues before the Summit.